Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed on Tuesday said the government is taking initiatives to strengthen technology-based surveillance along the border to combat drug and arms smuggling, human trafficking and illegal trespass.
“We are preparing digitally to tackle illegal entry, drug and arms smuggling, and human trafficking. Skilled and trained personnel will be developed for this purpose,” he said.
The minister made the remarks while speaking as the chief guest at the inauguration of the “Border School of Surveillance and Drone Warfare” at the Sylhet Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) Sector Headquarters.
After the inauguration, he inspected the activities of the training centre and witnessed a practical demonstration of drone technology.
Salahuddin said the BGB is being modernized to curb criminal activities along the border, which he said will help reduce smuggling and other crimes.
He said the Narcotics Control Act is also being strengthened to prevent the spread of drugs.
The minister said thermal and night-vision drones will be deployed in remote border areas where surveillance by manpower is difficult.
“These drones will help detect movements on the other side of the border and enable authorities to take prompt action,” he said.
Salahuddin said initiatives are also being taken to manufacture and assemble drones in Bangladesh, which could eventually contribute to the country's defence industry.
He said drone technology could play an important role not only in border security but also in relief distribution and rescue operations during disasters.
Referring to the advanced drones displayed at the training centre, the minister said sophisticated drone technologies from developed countries will gradually be incorporated into Bangladesh's capabilities. “We have plans to achieve more advanced capabilities within the next one to two years,” he said.
On the issue of mob culture, he said the government remains vigilant against the trend and has already managed to bring it under control to a significant extent.
During his daylong visit, Salahuddin is scheduled to hold a meeting with senior officials of the district administration and law enforcement agencies at Sylhet Circuit House in the afternoon.
He is also scheduled to attend a discussion organized by the BNP at the District Shilpakala Academy marking the party's founding anniversary.
Earlier, the minister arrived at Osmani International Airport around 11:20am. It was his first visit to Sylhet since assuming office as home minister.
